Liverpool 2-0 Fulham: Ngumoha Shines As Salah Nets On Anfield Farewell

Liverpool ended a run of defeats with a controlled 2-0 win over Fulham at Anfield, as Mohamed Salah scored on a first home outing since confirming a summer exit. Rio Ngumoha also struck in an emotional match that moved Arne Slot's side four points ahead of Chelsea, with Chelsea set to face Manchester City on Sunday in the Premier League.

The hosts did their main damage before half-time, when Ngumoha curled in a stunning opener and Salah added a second after a slick move involving Cody Gakpo. Fulham responded strongly after the interval, creating several clear chances and having one goal ruled out for offside, but Liverpool held on to secure an important victory.

Salah's goal at Anfield arrived during a spell of mixed emotion, with Liverpool supporters processing news that Salah and Andy Robertson will both leave at the end of the season. The strike was Salah's first Premier League goal at Anfield since a 2-0 win over Aston Villa on 1 November, ending a seven-match home league drought.

The Egyptian forward now has 108 Premier League goals at Anfield, strengthening a historic scoring mark. In the competition, only Thierry Henry has more at one stadium, with 114 league goals for Arsenal at Highbury. Replacing Salah from the 2026-27 campaign presents a major challenge for Liverpool's recruitment and coaching staff.

Attention also turned towards Ngumoha, who provided the breakthrough on 36 minutes with a composed finish. The 17-year-old twisted Timothy Castagne near the left edge of the box, then bent a right-footed shot beyond Bernd Leno. Four minutes later, Salah finished low past Leno from Gakpo's lay-off to complete a flowing Liverpool move.

Ngumoha's impact carried historic weight for Liverpool. At 17 years and 225 days, Ngumoha became the club's youngest Premier League goalscorer at Anfield, overtaking Raheem Sterling, who was 17 years and 317 days against Reading in October 2012. Only Wayne Rooney and Cesc Fabregas have started and scored in a Premier League match at a younger age.

Among Liverpool players, only Michael Owen has more Premier League goals before turning 18, with five compared to Ngumoha's two. These figures underline why some at Anfield see Ngumoha as part of any long-term response to Salah's departure, even if direct replacement will require contributions from several players.

While Liverpool were clinical early, Fulham carried a threat across the contest, particularly after half-time. The visitors had a Sasa Lukic effort ruled out for offside, then wasted two major openings. Rodrigo Muniz failed to convert from close range, and Emile Smith Rowe missed another big chance that could have created tense closing stages.

The statistical picture reflected a relatively balanced game, with both teams creating opportunities but Liverpool finishing more precisely in key moments. Expected goals numbers highlighted this pattern, with Liverpool more efficient during a dominant first half and Fulham lifting attacking output after the break.

Context around the match added extra weight to the result for Liverpool. Slot's side had lost to Brighton, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain across league, FA Cup and Champions League fixtures. Ending that sequence, while also acknowledging Salah's and Robertson's announced exits, offered some reassurance that Liverpool remain competitive as a demanding season continues.

The victory over Fulham therefore carried both emotional and sporting significance for Liverpool and Mohamed Salah. The team tightened their grip on a higher league position, ended a series of setbacks across competitions, and saw a veteran star and a teenage winger share the goals. For Fulham, an improved second half showed promise, but missed chances defined the day.